About the Project
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is offering a research scholarship to highly motivated PhD candidates to investigate plant responses to climate change, and the adaptive and physiological mechanisms that might enhance the climate resilience of ecological restoration plantings. This project is co-funded by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water; NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure; and Western Sydney University.
Despite large forthcoming investments in nature repair, significant knowledge gaps remain about how to maximise climate resilience in ecological restoration. Increasing chronic and acute stresses associated with climate change are pushing plants beyond their physiological thresholds, with implications for the success of large-scale restoration happening now. Understanding the adaptive capacity of key plant species provides an opportunity to enhance the climate resilience of restoration plantings.
This PhD project will investigate whether seed sourced from future climate analogue sites can perform better than local seed under current and future climate conditions (warming and decreased rainfall). The project aims to examine the establishment, performance, and function of a diverse array of ground cover species directly seeded into restoration plots in threatened grassy woodlands. The research findings will inform strategic restoration approaches to improve long-term biodiversity outcomes.
The Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment (HIE) is a research institute within Western Sydney University. HIE has rapidly become a research leader in environmental and ecological research, with a strong reputation for delivering research outcomes of the highest quality. The project will be based at HIE with the opportunity to work with supervisors and collaborators based in government and industry.
WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP PROVIDE?
- Domestic candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,000(AUD) per annum for up to 3.5 years to support living costs, supported by the Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset.
- International candidates will receive a tax-free stipend of $35,000(AUD) per annum for up to 3.5 years to support living costs. Those with a strong track record may be eligible for a tuition fee waiver.
- Support for conference attendance, fieldwork and additional costs as approved by the Institute.
- International candidates are required to hold an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) insurance policy for the duration of their study in Australia. This cost is not covered by the scholarship.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds, who are keen to apply their skills to key issues in ecological restoration and climate change biology. In particular, the project is suitable for candidates with strong interests in plant physiology and climate adaptation.
The successful applicant should:
- hold qualifications and experience equal to one of the following (i) an Australian First Class Bachelor (Honours) degree, (ii) coursework Masters with at least 25% research component, (iii) Research Master’s degree, or (iv) equivalent overseas qualifications.
- demonstrate strong academic performance in subjects relevant to ecology, genetics, plant biology and/or horticulture.
- have an understanding of the importance of genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity for climate resilience.
- be willing to learn analytical techniques applicable to plant physiology and/or ecological restoration.
- be enthusiastic and highly motivated to undertake further study at an advanced level.
- International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the application via the link : https:// tinyurl.com/3fvps6sx
Follow the step-by-step instructions on the how to apply for a project scholarship page.
- Note: You do not need to complete ‘Step 5: Submit an online application for admission’ when applying for this scholarship. You must complete ‘Step 6: Submit an online application for a project scholarship’.
Incomplete applications or applications that do not conform to the above requirements will not be considered.
For questions and advice about the research project, please contact the Lead Researcher; Assoc. Prof. Paul Rymer: P.Rymer@westernsydney.edu.au or Dr. Hannah Carle h.carle@westernsydney.edu.au.
For questions and advice about the scholarship application process, please submit your scholarship enquiry:
- Currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here
- Not currently enrolled WSU HDR candidate, please submit your enquiry here
Use the email subject line: Application PS2024_087_HIE
Closing date: 30 September 2024
*Applications close at 11.59pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT ).
